CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Café Chocolate: Chocolate & Wholesome Food Shines

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In Lititz, the destination for chocolate lovers is Café Chocolate, where the menu features drinks, entrées and desserts made with chocolate.

Established by Selena Man in 2005, Café Chocolate has been owned and operated by Janice Dull since June 2013. Prior to purchasing the café, Janice had frequented it for years. No doubt, the casual, relaxing atmosphere was one of the elements that prompted her to become a restaurant owner.

Homey is also an apt description for the café. One of the tables is located in the front window overlooking Main Street, while other tables are scattered throughout the café. Seating is also available at the counter. “The table in the front window is really popular; people call and reserve that table. It’s a great spot to watch what’s going on outside,” she says. The cafe’s small footprint grows during the warmer months thanks to the garden patio to the rear and two sidewalk tables that flank the entrance. “The patio is tucked away in the back, and it’s really pretty. It’s grown in popularity over the past few years but is still a bit of a hidden gem,” Janice explains.

The welcoming atmosphere prompts guests to stay a while and catch up with friends or enjoy a board game such as chess or Monopoly. Wi-Fi is available as well. “We have a relaxing atmosphere. There are a number of regulars, some of whom automatically head toward their favorite stool at the counter. Some people eat and go, while some will have a more leisurely time,” she says.

Café Chocolate also exudes a sense of community, as it’s frequented by a number of small groups including book and Red Hat clubs. It’s also bustling with activity during Lititz’s Second Friday events.
That same sense of community is embraced locally and globally. Janice is committed to using fresh, local ingredients, as well as serving Fair Trade coffees, teas and chocolate. Café Chocolate supports the Rainforest Alliance. Chocolate for Life, the café’s slogan, refers to the lives of the people who grow cacao, the rainforest that sustains it and those who eat chocolate.

Chocolate, it seems, is more than an indulgence. It delivers health benefits such as antioxidants, helps to control cholesterol, reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow. It also benefits the cardiovascular system and, of course, boosts our spirits. The darker the better, but just because it’s good for you doesn’t mean you can eat all you want.

As one would expect, the café’s menu features a wide array of chocolate items, including drinks such as hot chocolate (served both warm and frozen) and the chocolate strawberry lush (which Janice likens to drinking a chocolate-dipped strawberry), chocolate dessert items, chocolate entrées (chili and a dark-chocolate crepe), chocolate fondue (which Janice describes as an instant celebration!), and chocolate-dipped treats.

But, there’s more to like about Café Chocolate than chocolate. Seasonal drinks such as an iced turbo, lemonade freeze and strawberry cooler are perfect thirst quenchers on a hot day. Breakfast items are available all day. For lunch and dinner, soups (made from scratch), salads, a meatless Portobello mushroom burger, salmon cake and vegetable curry Siam with black rice risotto are available. Popular sandwiches include smoked chicken wrap, roast turkey croissant and the Cubano.

There are also monthly soup, sandwich and drink specials. Some of the newer menu items started out as specials. “A number of the specials like the Cubano and smoked chicken sandwich were so popular that I added them to the menu,” Janice notes.

The sunshine crepe is a customer favorite – the whole-grain crepe is filled with fruit (strawberries and bananas), and topped with strawberries, kiwi and pineapple, and then is finished with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate.

The menu features a number of choices for gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian or sugar-free lifestyles. Janice adds that the chocolate used in drinks, salad dressings, crepes and for dipping is dairy-free. Soy or almond milk may be used upon request for hot chocolate. Café Chocolate’s signature truffles are sugar-free (six varieties are sugar- and dairy-free). Scones and cupcakes are always gluten-free. A dark-chocolate cupcake is always among the cupcake offerings.

Whole bean coffee (the same coffee served at the café) is available for purchase, as are teas and custom gift baskets.

Café Chocolate is located at 40 East Main Street in Lititz. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (open until 9 p.m. for Lititz Second Friday) and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Guests may BYOB. For more information, call 717-626-0123 or visit chocolatelititz.com and on Facebook. Reservations may be made via the café’s website.

Enriching Students & Emerging Artists at The E 

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The portrayal of a starving artist is etched into modern culture. It goes like this … in order to travel the path of creative exposition, it is believed one must struggle financially, alone with their art, reaching through the despair and doubt to attain purpose. This is not a universal truth. However, sometimes an artist needs a bit of help to get a hand up.

The mother-daughter photography team of Danielle Vennard (left) and Suzanne Kettler-Zeigler took part in the Emerging Artist Series this summer. They collaborated to present a show that captured Lancaster’s patriotic and civic pride. Several of their photos are seen below.

I looked at the walls out here – I’m an architect by trade, and I notice artwork – and I thought there is a lot of blank space,” says Martha Besecker from inside the former Jewish Community Center (which closed its doors in 2014). The building at 2120 Oregon Pike is now the Emerald Foundation Community Campus. “Because that’s a mouthful, we call it ‘The E,’” says Martha, as she meets me in a meeting room not far from the entrance.

She serves as the interim executive director of the Emerald Foundation, started in 2010 as the nonprofit arm of Emerald Asset Management. The 501(c)3 nonprofit, charitable organization follows four Es: to engage the community and nonprofit organizations in a way that will enrich and empower everyone.

Now, through the Foundation’s Emerging Artist Series, young (and sometimes not-so-young) artists have a space to exhibit their work. Martha’s idea began as a way to give high school-aged artists a venue to premiere their collections of work. Entering The E, visitors arrive in a central reception area, warmed by a fireplace, a piano and a collection of sofas and comfortable chairs. It is here where a select artist will be able to display his or her work for a period of four to six weeks depending on the availability of the space.

The call for artists is now open. The Foundation is looking for area students who want to pursue art for their secondary education. Having a show at The E helps the student-artist learn how to select a collection of art to display, participate in a reception sponsored by the Foundation, and hopefully even sell a few pieces if he or she would like. As a venue, The E is open Monday through Friday, and art is on display for the public during business hours.

“For a high school student, they now have a portfolio booster. They can say they have had their own show. It’s really just a way to give an artist a leg up,” explains Martha, whose husband, Joe Besecker, started the Emerald Foundation.

The space began exhibiting art immediately after the building became The E in 2016. Past and future artists will also be listed on a new Foundation website, coming soon.

“We’ve also found a lot of artists [who are beyond school-aged] who have a good story” and needed a space like The E to help advance their career in art, explains Martha as she leads me to the current display, which is a series of patriotic-themed photographs from the mother-and-daughter photography team of Suzanne Kettler-Zeigler and Danielle Vennard. The photos depict not only patriotism but also civic pride in Lancaster County.

“We want to take somebody who needs a little bit of exposure, a little bit of a boost,” says Martha, now standing in front of a series of photos taken at a Lancaster Barnstormers game.

Artist selection has morphed into an open criterion with an emphasis on emerging artists rather than seasoned professionals with exhibits already under their belts. She encourages art teachers to contact her if they know a prolific and proficient student of any medium who would benefit from inclusion in the Emerging Artist Series.

Beyond Art

The path to educational success is paved in emerald green, not just for artists but for all students. The E is home to the Access to Opportunity after-school program, which provides an evening meal and educational programing for those who need it. The program focuses on involving children from the Manheim Township School District in extracurricular activities, improving literacy skills, increasing cultural awareness and building non-cognitive skills.

The program receives support from other local organizations such as Tennis Central, Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA, and Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services (KPETS). KPETS assists with helping students with reading skills. “A lot of these kids are behind [in reading] and the kids read to the dogs much more comfortably than they would to an adult,” explains Martha.

The Rise N Shine program provides work and life skills for intellectually disabled adults. These adults come to The E with their supervisors on a routine basis from various communities and are considered valuable volunteers because of the work they do. The program promotes confidence and independence and increases an individual’s employment potential via The E’s kitchen, banquet facilities and food bank (Autumn’s Food Pantry). “We try to teach life skills … they help out with our food pantry and do various tasks,” says Martha. “We are teaching them skills that they can hopefully use down the line in employment.”

Esports is the newest program. It uses Esports as a platform to acquire critical communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills that are needed to thrive in work and in life.

For more information, call 717-560-7572 or visit emeralde.org.

Organizations at The E

“Collaboration is a strong term we like to work on here,” Martha notes. “We want to have cross pollination, for the lack of a better term.”

A massive 8.9-acre site, the Foundation property – including a gym, a ballroom and a fully licensed and functioning kitchen – is used as a rental space for many nonprofit organizations. One of the founding goals of the plan was to help nonprofits work together to succeed. Several organizations call the campus their permanent home, including:

KPETS: Touching lives, warming hearts through human and animal interactions. Kpets.org

Rock Steady Boxing: Non-contact boxing-inspired classes can reverse, reduce and even delay the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.  Rocksteadyboxing.org

Girl Scouts In The Heart Of PA: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Gshpa.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Bbbs.org

T. Alexander Foundation: Centered on preparing emerging scholar athletes for life after sports. Talexanderfoundation.org

Merakey Education and Autism Center: Enriching lives by providing exceptional services through an individualized approach. Educationandautism.merakey.org

A Call for Questioning

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One in three people have a criminal record in the U.S., and the American criminal justice system holds nearly 2.3 million people in state and federal prisons, juvenile correction facilities, local jails and other detention facilities (Brennancenter.org; Prisonpolicy.org). This means that more than likely you or someone close to you has had to navigate the criminal justice system at some level, at one point or another.

Corn maze during the growth process

Incarceration rates in Lancaster are on the decline since their peak in 2007, making strides toward progress. However, those rates are still up nearly 80% since 1985. African Americans are nearly 10 times more likely to be sentenced to prison from Lancaster than are Caucasians (Vera Institute of Justice). Despite this closeness to the topic and its wide reach, its impact is rarely discussed in smaller or more rural communities like Lancaster.

Nationally renowned and Lancaster-born artist Jesse Krimes will be bringing attention to the topic, as he is curating and co-creating a local project called Voices from the Heartland: Safety, Justice and Community in Small & Rural America. The project will bring the conversation about mass incarceration right to the table (and the farm).

60-foot image, comprised of nine quilts depicting sites from Lancaster, functions as a map of Lancaster’s incarceration data as it compares to state and national rates.

Voices is supported by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, and the Art for Justice Fund, a project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, in partnership with the Ford Foundation. It includes an immersive cornfield maze and barn-meets-gallery exhibition. The project is aimed at exploring mass incarceration’s impact on our communities and challenging our perceptions of safety and justice.

The Maze

Located at Coleman Temple Farms (next to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm) in Ronks, the Voices’ corn maze component is described by Jesse as a “physical metaphor for ‘the maze’ of the American justice system, from which it can be nearly impossible to extricate oneself.” While navigating the corn maze, visitors will encounter data and personal stories about the impact of incarceration and then arrive at the barn that serves as an exhibition space.

A hand-sewn quilt that incorporates imagery created through a series of community outreach workshops held by Jesse. Workshop participants were asked to collect images from newspapers and magazines relating to safety, justice, equality and freedom. Then they were instructed in image-collage techniques, image transfers and painting.

The Barn

A series of hand-sewn “community quilts” featuring collaged images will be displayed in the barn gallery space on the farm property. These pieces were created in collaboration with local Amish quilters and other community members, including incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, through a series of workshops led by Jesse. They reflect on themes of safety, justice, equality, freedom and re-entry.

A quilt using the North Star quilt pattern (believed to be used during the Underground Railroad to signify safe passage, also used in the Amish quilting tradition) and images sourced from workshops Jesse conducted with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men in the Pennsylvania state prison system.

The final piece in the series consists of nine quilts, together creating a 60-foot-long image that functions as a visual data map displaying Lancaster’s prison incarceration data (Vera Institute of Justice).

The Artist

Jesse Krimes

Jesse, now working in Philadelphia, was born and raised in Lancaster County, making it a poignant location for this project. He pursued an education in art, graduating from Millersville University in 2008, citing MU as the place he felt most supported and connected in Lancaster.

Shortly after graduating, he served a six-year term in federal prison.

Community quilt using the bow tie quilt motif

A difficult childhood and traumatic experiences “catalyzed my involvement with the criminal legal system. Since the age of 13, I’ve cycled through nearly every aspect of our criminal legal system, from juvenile probation and jail to state and federal prison,” Jesse recalls. Isolation from the community played a big part in Jesse’s previous, and many others’, uneasy relationship with law enforcement. “I decided to create this project in a more rural part of Lancaster County precisely because I believe that we need to create spaces for communities like ours to come together.”

Artistically inclined since early childhood, Jesse focused on sculpture as an art student at MU. While in federal prison, he started to work with collage elements, using what was readily available to him. This technique, developed by necessity during his confinement, has evolved into an intricate and striking series of quilt pieces.

Community quilt using the tumbling blocks quilt motif

 

Community quilt representing freedom

 

Community quilt representing community

Jesse has been busy since his release in 2013, exhibiting work nationally and internationally, working on public art pieces and attending exhibitions. His experience in the already socially and justice-reform conscious, larger city art scene is bringing Jesse back to Lancaster. “Ultimately, I thought it was important to try to create an art project that engages audiences who might not typically attend an exhibition or event around criminal justice reform. Lancaster is the community I grew up in, and it seemed like the place where I should begin to repair any harm I caused and create a space for these broader conversations,” he explains.

On the role of art in the community, Jesse believes “art work challenges us to see things from new perspectives, helps reframe oversimplified and harmful narratives, and ignites opportunities for real change.”

“Voices from the Heartland” will take place at the farm of Steven and Shelly (Coleman) Temple, 180 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks (next to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, owned by Jack and Donna Coleman). Saturdays in September, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., featuring special guests and musical performances. For event updates, visit cherrycrestfarm.com. For more information about the artist, visit jessekrimes.com.

From Showers to Sprinkles … It’s Raining Babies!

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Whether she’s expecting her first bundle of joy or is an experienced mother-to-be, every baby bump can be celebrated! See how two moms-to-be were feted at showers and sprinkles that celebrated the sweet anticipation of a baby’s arrival, plus learn about some trends in welcoming baby.

The “Unwrapped” Shower

Abby Hobson Shank and her husband, Ryan, couldn’t be more excited about baby Jackson’s arrival. Along with her mother, Joy Hobson, Abby envisioned a shower where guests could enjoy mingling and socializing with each other rather than watching her open gift after gift. So, she suggested an “unwrapped” shower, where guests could choose to offer their gifts without tissue paper, bows and gift wrap. Plus, the gesture would prevent extra paper going into the trash.

Held at The Livery at Lampeter Café on Lampeter Square, the shower also included a diaper raffle: For every box of diapers or wipes that guests brought, they were entered in a raffle to win restaurant gift cards. “It was short and sweet – about two-and-a-half hours – so even my busiest friends arrived on time and could stay ‘til the end,” Abby recalls.

Coffee, Tea and Mother-to-be

Guest Roe Daly greeted the mom-to-be with some pre-delivery love.

Can’t decide on a shower theme? Choose a destination with a built-in theme, like a tea room. Piccadilly Coffee & Tea House is tailor-made for afternoon tea parties. Located at the Shops at Worthington on Oregon Pike, this charming little spot specializes in high tea. Owners Debora and Gary Hunter make the space available to private parties – accommodating up to 42 guests – and can transform afternoon tea into a buffet-style brunch. Private parties may bring their own wine or bubbly and add their personalized décor. The Tea Affair in Lititz and Sugarplums & Teas near Lampeter are also options. Make a fancy hat or fabulous fascinator part of the party’s dress code – or provide tiaras for everyone to wear – and throw a shower inspired by the traditions of the British royals.

Sip and See

The baby and mom are settled at home, and now it’s time for visits, visits and more visits. A new trend is the “Sip and See” shower, which is a perfect way to consolidate those visits into a sweet gathering of friends and family to meet the new baby and raise a glass to the new parents. It’s a combination of shower and meet-the-baby celebration.

Guests were invited to record their wishes, memories and prayers for baby Jackson on tags. Ultrasound images were displayed under glass cloches.

Often hosted at the new parents’ home, the party flows like a drop-in open house, allowing the hosts to spend more one-on-one time with guests. Keep it simple – elaborate decorations and games are not expected. Invite the guys, too! A menu of light bites is typically served, along with Champagne and sparkling cider to toast the new parents and, of course, their new bundle of joy.

Sprinkle? (or in Lancaster County, a Spritz?)

Three generations of Singers – left to right, Aunt Alicia, big sister Addison Garrett, mom-to-be, Ashley (Singer) Garrett and Nanny Cindy – were joined by family and friends at a sprinkle that was held at Moravian Manor in Lititz. Pink was the theme and dress code for the party.

What’s a sprinkle? Just as it sounds, it’s a lighter version of a shower! A nifty little trend to celebrate the second (or third) baby, a sprinkle usually entails a smaller guest list of close friends and relatives. For Ashley Garrett’s second baby, her mother, Cindy Singer, chose the Zinzendorf Room at Moravian Manor Retirement Community to host 20 guests for a brunch sprinkle. Family members wore pink to honor the expected baby girl, and guests had the option of enjoying alcohol-free “Momosas,” or the traditional cocktail version of the mimosa, sparkling wine and orange juice.

White chocolate-covered pretzels served as party favors. Ava Rose arrived on July 21!

A sprinkle often indicates gifting the basic necessities for the new baby, rather than bestowing the mother-to-be with extravagant gifts as the first-time shower often includes. With more emphasis on the intimate vibe and less on games and take-away gifts for guests, a sprinkle can be a simple, easy affair that still brings loved ones together before mom is consumed with the joys of a newborn. You can opt to include the baby’s siblings, too. “Our little granddaughter happily participated in the sprinkle,” said Cindy, “thinking the party was for her.”

A is for Apple

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Early in the morning, an unfamiliar chill and damp air roll in. The leaves are tinged with color, announcing autumn’s brilliant arrival. Nestling up to a hot breakfast, a bite of buttery apple pancakes, warm from within, puts the chill at bay with notes of cinnamon and maple syrup. In the background, the sleepy sputter of a two-stroke 1947 McCormick Deering Farmall H tractor awakens with a crank as a hayride is queued at the Hay Creek Apple Festival.

For those who love apples, the Hay Creek Apple Festival at Joanna Furnace offers everything from an apple dessert contest to a wide selection of delicious apple-based food and drink. Held annually in Geigertown, Berks County, since 1980, the event serves as a fundraiser for the Hay Creek Valley Historical Association, whose mission is to support and demonstrate “interest in and appreciation for” local heritage.

The association, which was founded in October 1975, maintains the historic Joanna Furnace, which dates to 1791 and operated as a cold blast, single stack, charcoal iron furnace until 1898. It acquired the furnace from Bethlehem Mines in 1979. It’s now the site of events such as the Hay Creek Festival (September 7-9), the apple festival and a holiday gathering.

Celebrating local culture extends to apples, which are regarded as one of the earliest-known crops to be grown in the New World. In fact, many of those who traveled across the Atlantic – beginning with the Mayflower – had saplings among their possessions.

That was especially true of those immigrating from the British Isles – they brought saplings along so that they could grow orchards. After all, hard cider was their thirst quencher of choice, along with beer, ale and fruit brandy. The tradition continued on this side of the Atlantic, as many people distrusted the water quality. In New England, the average citizen consumed 15-54 gallons of hard cider on an annual basis.

Then there’s the legend of Johnny Appleseed, who made it his job to plant apple trees across the frontier so that settlers could begin making cider once they secured land.

Interestingly, hard cider even played a role in politics. During the presidential campaign of 1840, William Henry Harrison embraced his reputation as the “log cabin and hard cider” candidate. He won the election, but one month after his inauguration, Harrison died of pneumonia.

In the early 1800s, the Temperance Movement began to sweep the nation. Its supporters argued that alcohol consumption was a detriment to one’s health, work environment and family life. Support for the movement led to Prohibition (1920-1933), during which over-zealous supporters and even FBI agents made it their mission to destroy apple orchards. Unfortunately, in destroying the orchards, America lost many of its varieties of heirloom apples.

In the aftermath of Prohibition, the demand for hard cider waned, prompting farmers to begin growing apples suitable for eating and cooking. Apple juice, which was touted for its health benefits, took its place at the breakfast table. It also became a favorite with young children.

Eventually, cider made a comeback – as a sweet, unfermented, nonalcoholic drink that has become a fall tradition. Hard cider is also enjoying a revival. Breweries, wineries and cideries are creating modern brews that have helped to make cider the fastest-growing segment of the alcohol industry over the last 10 years.

The Cider Press

One of the highlights of the festival – and my personal favorite imbibement – is the freshly pressed apple cider that’s made on-site and is sold by the cup, cold or hot, and by the half-gallon. Manufactured in Massachusetts in 1908, the apple press is used just five days a year: three days at the Hay Creek Festival every September and two days at the apple festival held every October. The powerplant is a 1949 Allis Chalmers WD, a 24 horsepower, four-cylinder gas-powered tractor. To mash the apples, the motor runs at just over half speed, depending on how fast the apples are dumped into the hopper.

After mashing, the apples are pressed between wood tightened with large threaded rods. The tractor motor is cut back to quarter speed with the occasional pause to let the cider work its way out under pressure. A sticky-sweet mist fills the air during pressing, and if only for a few days, the operation breathes life and relevance into the century-old process. The mash is pressed, creating the cider, and the dry pulp is used as animal feed. The complete cycle takes roughly an hour for two layers of apples to be simultaneously pressed.

Working at the press, Barry Kubovcsak says he has been helping to make apple cider at Hay Creek for roughly 15 years. Working with him, Steve Martin has been helping for close to 20 years. “He’s the cider master, but he stands around more,” says Barry with a sly smile on his face. Pointing to the cider house, he reports, “Both of our wives are down there selling it.”

Surprisingly, the apples chosen for each batch of cider are less consistent – different apples offer varying flavor and color characteristics. Apples used in that day’s cider included red delicious, gala, McIntosh, winesap and honey crisp. “We rely on Weaver’s Orchard to tell us what makes good cider,” Barry explains. “McIntosh apples don’t oxidize as quickly, so they’re lighter in color. Temperature also impacts the color. It’s cold today, so both factors mean the cider is almost clear, hazy, but still sweet. Staymans deliver a tart flavor. Honey crisp is light.”

With record precipitation levels in 2018, last season’s apples were “wet, yielding 30-35 gallons from seven bushels, which takes 15 minutes to mash.” According to Steve, six bushels of apples typically yield approximately 25 gallons of apple cider. “Cider made in September has a different yield than in later months as there is less variety of apples to choose from,” he notes.

The festival also celebrates apple-based food. Schnitz Un Knepp is one of the more intriguing dishes available at the festival. If the name doesn’t give it away, this dish is Pennsylvania Dutch to its core and, at a glance, may seem to be a dessert. Stewed, dried apples comprise the schnitz, while ham and dumplings make the knepp.

Akin to a pork and sauerkraut meal on New Year’s Day, this treat was traditionally reserved for a Sunday or Christmas dinner. According to those who prepare the dish for the festival, apples were once coveted over long winters, and serving them with ham was a long-held Christmas tradition. Combining the two yields a hearty, sweet-and-savory dish that sticks to your ribs. A bone-in ham (or the alternative, pork shoulder) adds richness to the flavor.

Weaver’s Orchard

Never realizing how much variety and planning go into cider and knowing the source of the apples, I ventured over to the tent occupied by Weaver’s Orchard. With a bit of a windfall fortune, I met Chris Collichio, who manages the Morgantown orchard. He invited me to stop by for a visit. Eager to get to the source, I visited Weaver’s just a few days later. Here, they grow apples (and offer a pick-your-own option if you want the full experience) and a host of other fruit.

According to Ed Weaver, president of Weaver’s Orchard, early apples appear in the middle of August, but the season “really kicks in with honey crisp and gala in September.” Ed’s great-grandparents started Weaver’s in 1932, and today many members of the family help to run the orchard and farm market.

Even at Weaver’s, while consistency is the goal, every batch of cider varies slightly in composition across batches as the choice apples that are used change. Their apple cider, which is sanitized using an ultraviolet light system, is never heated and is not a shelf staple, so it must stay cold. Ed explains they are “vigilant about getting apples in coolers” to maximize quality.

Walking into their large refrigerated storehouse, the fresh apple scent is immediate and genuinely overwhelming. Breathing in the cool, flavorful air filled my senses with the most delightful bouquet imaginable. Here, varieties remain perfectly preserved, free of a wax coating. In particular, the dense pink lady variety will retain its qualities all winter long. For more information, visit weaversorchard.com.

Nature’s Harmony

Late in the afternoon, Chris took me on a spectacular tour, driving in and out of beautiful groves of fruit-bearing trees in a golf cart. The 35-acre orchard, home to 18,000 trees and more than 30 varieties of apples alone, rely on honey bees to pollinate their flowering fruit trees. Honey that is produced at Weaver’s is sold by Stockin’s Apiaries, which is based in Strasburg. (Just like apple saplings, bees made their way across the Atlantic – the first recorded shipment of honeybees for pollination purposes dates to 1622; their destination was Virginia.)

Apple Fritters

As we zig-zag beneath the trees, tall fences minimize the presence of apple-loving deer. Still, a doe who has managed to forge the barriers, jumps out of our way. The Spotted Lantern Fly is a growing threat to the health of the orchard. With each passing tree, it becomes materially evident how connected our environment is to our food supply.

Sweet and savory Schnitz Un Knepp, as prepared at the 2018 Hay Creek Apple Festival.

At the close of the day, driving down Fruit Lane, I headed for home with freshly made apple cider and apple-cider donuts in tow. As expected, not all of the donuts made it back to Ephrata, giving the evening drive a boost of sweetness. Rolling the windows down and cranking the heater up, warm air mixed with cool as summer faded into autumn. Welcome back, old friend. Welcome back.

Hot apple dumplings at the 2018 Hay Creek Apple Festival.

Apple Festivals & Events

September 7: Hard to the Core 5K Mud Run

Held at Weaver’s Orchard, the course meanders through orchards and a Christmas tree farm. A post-race breakfast features apple pancakes. Proceeds benefit OneRunTogether, which assists cancer patients with medical expenses. Weaversorchard.com.

September 7: Johnny Appleseed Day

A family-friendly event that celebrates one of America’s favorite folk heroes. Weaver’s Orchard. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Weaversorchard.com.

Saturdays, September 14-October 26, & Columbus Day: Fall Family Fun Days

Apples, pumpkins and fun are on the agenda at Weaver’s Orchard. Weaversorchard.com.

October 5: Maize and Snitz Fest at Hans Herr House

Food, interpreters in colonial garb, hands-on activities and demonstrations celebrate two crops – corn and apples – that played vital roles in the lives of Native Americans and colonists. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Hansherr.org.

October 5-6 & 12-13: National Apple Harvest Festival

Food, 300 arts & crafts vendors, contests, entertainment and more define this fall festival. Arendtsville, Adams County. Appleharvest.com.

October 12-13: 2019 Hay Creek Apple Festival

Food, entertainment, demonstrations and more pay homage to
the apple. Joanna Furnace, Berks County. Haycreek.org.

Sharing a Ride …

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Looking through the Backyard Tourist archive, it occurred to me that I have always started with the assumption that readers have a means of transportation when recommending sights and events. What if you’re reading this and you don’t have a car? Maybe an event caught your eye, but your vehicle will be in the shop. Perhaps you just want to attend an outdoor or a Friday event without worrying about parking.

Have you tried ride-sharing yet? It can be a solution to your transportation woes or just a more convenient ride after an active day. Services such as Uber and Lyft have been operating in Lancaster County for a few years now and are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience.

Travelers have become big fans of ride-sharing services. I’m hearing that visitors staying at our inns, hotels and Airbnbs frequently utilize ride-share services to get around the county.

On the flip side, the next time you travel, save yourself the hassle of dealing with unfamiliar streets or roads and utilize a ride-share. Even if you have your own vehicle or rental, by utilizing a ride-share you can go to a restaurant, winery or brewery – anywhere for that matter – relax and not worry about finding your way back.

Getting started is relatively simple. Initially, you’ll be able to get an estimate on your ride through most services but to actually request a ride, you’ll need to set up an account. The easiest way to do so is through smartphone apps, but you can also request a ride online. Once your account is set up and you’ve entered your destination, you’ll have to choose the type of ride you want. For instance, UberX is limited to four passengers, while UberXL can accommodate up to seven passengers at a slightly higher fare.

After you’ve selected the type of ride, the service will begin looking for the closest available drivers in your area. You’ll receive an alert when the service has found a driver; it will include information about who the driver is and estimated arrival time. You’ll also be able to track their progress towards the pick-up location. When the driver arrives, it’s a good idea to check his/her license plate and ask for his/her name to be sure you’re getting into the right vehicle.

Who are these drivers? Getting into a stranger’s vehicle is the biggest concern I’ve heard from friends and family. In my experience, drivers are typically ordinary people just looking to make a few bucks in their spare time. Some are occasional drivers, and some consider ride-share driving to be their professional occupation. All drivers have gone through both criminal and driving record checks.

Just like the drivers, riders come from all sorts of backgrounds – meeting new people is part of the ride-share experience After the trip is completed, both the rider and driver have the opportunity to rate the other. If your driver went above and beyond, you can even leave a tip right in the app.

Ride-sharing isn’t just about catching a ride anymore. Some companies are branching out or are specializing solely on food delivery. Uber Eats, Postmates and Doordash have begun operating in parts of Lancaster County to provide delivery from a wide variety of restaurants, including some local favorites such as Souvlaki Boys, Lancaster Cupcake, Lancaster Brewing Company, Prince Street Café and Commonwealth on Queen, just to name a few.

Calf Rope

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Downtown Mount Joy and other locations across Lancaster County will be hitting the big screen. Lancaster resident Bradley Hawkins is directing a short film titled Calf Rope, which is being shot entirely in Central Pennsylvania, despite being set in 1960s Oklahoma. His daughter, Sarah Hawkins, is producing the project. The father-daughter duo goes by the title of Dadley Productions.

 

Bradley and Sarah Hawkins of Dadley Productions. Photo courtesy of Jackie Walker of JMW Productions.

 

On August 7, the team filmed outside of Bube’s Brewery on Market Street and one of the houses the brewery owns on Frank Street (between North Market and Concord streets) in Downtown Mount Joy. They will also be filming in Annville, Ephrata and Lebanon throughout the beginning of August. There are even opportunities for locals to be involved, whether it be as an extra or by lending 1960-esque items to the production team for props.

 

As Dadley Productions rolls into production this month, one of their goals is to hire a female-focused team. They want to “intentionally seek out and hire exceptionally talented women to be on our crew,” the team states in their film deck. Dadley Productions aims to have 60-70% women in key creative positions.

 

The short film is about a 65-year-old cattle auctioneer who was a former junior rodeo champion from rural Oklahoma and the relationship he shares with his grandson from suburban Pennsylvania. Calf Rope focuses on the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren as well as the legacy the grandparents leave behind when they pass away. With creative influences from The Reivers and Coco, the film will have “Pixar-like tugs at the heartstrings” and a Rockwell-esque aesthetic.

Photo Courtesy of Jackie Walker of JMW Productions

 

The film is loosely based on Bradley’s childhood bond with his grandfather.

 

“Calf Rope focuses on the legacy that he unknowingly left behind that influenced me as to what it means to be the playful, connected, and active grandpa that I strive to be with my own two young grandchildren today,” says Bradley in his director’s statement. “Calf Rope means more to me on a personal level than any other creative endeavor I’ve ever embarked on.”

 

For more information on the film, visit calf-rope.com.

 

Top 10 To-Dos for August 2019

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1 August 31 & September 2 | Hospice & Community Care’s Labor Day Auction

Solanco Fairgrounds

Delight in delicious food prepared by the Amish and enjoy the day’s auctions that will feature quilts, artwork, Amish-made furniture, used cars and much more. Celebrating 35 years, this annual event kicks off both days with breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. Free parking and admission. 101 Park Ave., Quarryville. Information: 717-295-3900 or labordayauction.org.

2 August 17 | Rivertown Hops

Columbia Animal Shelter

The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce (SVCC), in partnership with CrocodileDog Marketing, announces the return of this craft beer extravaganza, featuring 25 breweries (with a smattering of wines, ciders, meads and spirits). Enjoy food trucks, music and vendors. Rivertown Hops is an annual fundraiser for the SVCC in its mission to preserve and strengthen the Susquehanna Valley’s business and tourism environment by improving programs and services which promote civic, cultural, business and economic growth and development. 265 S. 10th St., Columbia. 4-8 p.m. Tickets are required. Information: cdm.ticketleap.com/rth.

3 August 30-September 1 | Long’s Park Art Festival

Long’s Park

More than 200 top artists and craftspeople from around the world take part in this nationally recognized event. Enjoy live music, fine food, wine and craft beer. Intersection of Harrisburg Pike and Route 30. Information: 717-735-8883 or longspark.org.

4 August 10 | 2019 Lititz Rotary Craft Show

Lititz

Launched in 1979, this show has grown from having only local vendors located on one block in Lititz to one of the top craft shows on the East Coast, attracting approximately 700 crafters from throughout the U.S. and Canada. E. Main St., North & South Broad streets, Lititz Springs Park. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: lititzrotary.com/craft-show.html.

5 August 9 & 10 and 16-18 | A Summer of Sing-A-Longs

Prima Theatre

Don those pink jackets and grease up those hair-dos for the Grease Sing-A-Long (rights provided by Swank Motion Pictures, Inc). The original high school musical takes over Prima on August 9 and 10 in this classic bad-boy meets good-girl film. Join John, Olivia and the gang as we declare how Hopelessly Devoted we are to this classic movie. (Grease Sing-A-Long is a film with subtitles and does not involve live singers leading songs). In addition to subtitles for all of the songs you know and love, interactive elements will make these nights-out an experience to remember. Patrons are invited to dress as characters from Grease.

Closing out the summer sing-a-longs, Hamiltunes returns to the Prima stage. Be sure to bring the Hamilton musical fan in your life to this raucous party as professional and community performers of all ages lead guests in songs like My Shot, Wait for It and The Room Where It Happens. Hamiltunes is made possible by special arrangement with Hamilton Uptown LLC. Proceeds (beyond event production costs) benefit the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Hamiltunes is a sing-a-long concert experience with live singers and projected lyrics. 941 Wheatland Ave. Information: 717-327-5124 or primalancaster.org.

6 August 31-September 1 | Heart of Lancaster Arts and Craft Show

Root’s Country Market

Celebrating its 32nd anniversary, this show will feature 200 juried artists and craftspeople from Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The two-day event, which has been voted one of the 50 best shows in the country, will also feature delicious food and live entertainment. 705 Graystone Rd., Manheim. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Rain or shine. Information: heartoflancasterartsandcraftshow.com.

7 August 19-24 | Elizabethtown Fair

Elizabethtown

Enjoy animal, agricultural, competitive and commercial exhibits, a petting zoo, nightly entertainment, contests, rides and tons of great food at the annual Elizabethtown Fair, which kicks off fair season in Lancaster County. 900 E. High St., Elizabethtown. Monday, 5-11p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Information: 717-367-0508 or etownfair.org.

8 August 23-24 | New Holland Summer Fest

New Holland Community Park

Enjoy this 20th annual event, the highlight of which is the state championship barbecue cook-off. Enjoy food and live entertainment. 400 E. Jackson St., New Holland. Information: 717-875-1267 or nhsummerfest.org.

9 August 31-September 2 | Annual Pancake Breakfast

Oregon Dairy

Feast on a few or a stack of pancakes during Oregon Dairy’s Annual Labor Day Pancake Breakfast. 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz. Information: 717-656-2856 or oregondairy.com.

10 August 24 | Farm To Fork Fondo

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Enjoy a simplicity that can only be found in Amish country where farming and gathering is an elemental tradition experienced perfectly from the seat of a bicycle. Experience an organized bicycle ride where participants choose the distance best suited for themselves. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and stop for chef-prepared bites at farms along the way. 150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks. Information: farmforkfondo.com/pennsylvania-dutch.

WOODSTOCK 50 – Lancaster Style

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It was the “dawning of the age of Aquarius.” The theme of the era was peace and love – especially on Max Yasgur’s 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel, New York. A three-day music festival, Woodstock, would enter into the history books after that hot, sometimes wet, August weekend in 1969.

While the Woodstock 50 Music Festival was still in flux as July arrived, Lancaster’s version has been on track since last year. The idea materialized when Phil Kresge was hosting a party at his home, and a guest suggested he plan and produce a local version of the Woodstock 50th anniversary event. Fortunately, the guest had access to the perfect location – Long’s Park, which is the site of the annual Summer Concert Series. Phil liked the idea, and together with his good friend Greg Pencheff, who is a former DJ (Q106, FM97 and Hot 105.7) and is now a fine woodworker and musician, set out to produce the August 17 event.

No doubt, it will attract an enthusiastic crowd. The baby boomers still love their music and flock to places such as Marion Court, Nissley Vineyards and the American Legion (Arcadia Road) to hear and dance to music provided by their favorite oldies bands. There’s even a Facebook page devoted to that boomer rite of summer, Park Dance, which was held on the tennis courts at Buchanan Park. Back in the ’60s, fire companies such as Salunga, Schoeneck and Neffsville sponsored fundraising dances that packed ‘em in.

Woodstock happened just as Phil was preparing for his senior year at Hempfield High School. Back then, the average family owned only one vehicle. “It never entered my mind to say, ‘Hey Pop, can I use the family station wagon to go to a hippie festival in New York?” he says.

Anyone who knows Phil can tell you he would have loved to have been at Woodstock, as music has always been in his blood. From the time he first held a flutophone in his hands as a grade-schooler, he was hooked on making music. He even delayed entering college in order to continue playing in local bands well into the disco era.

When DJs came into vogue, he saw the writing on the wall – playing in a band on a full-time basis wasn’t going to cut it in the long run. So, he put his music career on the back burner and enrolled at Millersville University, attaining a degree in technical education, which reflected his other passion in life, “building things.” After graduating in 1984, Phil returned to Hempfield, only this time as a teacher.

He also continued playing music. In 1990, he formed a band, the Fabulous Cheeze Brothers and Sisters, which is still going strong today. (They will appear at Nissley Vineyards on August 3 and at Fuhrman Park in Maytown on August 11.) He has also maintained a steady connection with Woodstock throughout his adult life through attending concerts each summer at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, New York.

Now retired from teaching, Phil devotes his time to music and community service. In addition to the Fabulous Cheeze Brothers and Sisters (dance hits from the ’60s and ’70s), he also heads Over Easy (lite pop) and Kracker Beez (oldies and rock), which also includes Greg Pencheff and Bev Reece. Kracker Beez is frequently seen in area parades and performs at milestone boomer birthday/retirement parties.

Phil’s children, Katie and Chet, were raised on music of all types. Both grew up with the Cheeze Brothers and Sisters band. Katie, who began singing with the band in second grade, also performs with the bands Pocketful O’ Soul and PopScotch. Phil’s wife, Patti Grabowski, sings with Cheeze Brothers and Sisters and Over Easy.

As for community service, Phil takes a deep interest in Mountville, the small town in which he was raised and has lived his entire life. He began by serving on borough council/parks and recreation and saw the office of mayor as the next logical step. “I like being mayor because it is the best way for me to give back to my community,” he remarks.

In retirement, Phil has also been able to put his building/remodeling skills to use on personal projects. In need of space for a shop, storage and band practice, he had a two-story “garage” built on his property. After a lot of trial and some errors, it morphed into a two-story dream music studio complete with a downstairs canteen. Today it’s affectionately known as “The Hot Box.”

Phil says, “We record everything we do here, so none of the talent is missed out on. This is where talent gets together.” The studio is also the site of his annual, and very popular, Woodstock-themed party.

The Woodstock Anniversary Celebration will be held at Long’s Park on August 17, 7:30-9:30 p.m. (rain/shine). Admission is free. Entertainment will be provided by 26 musicians, including the Fabulous Cheeze Brothers and Sisters, Kracker Beez, Pocketful O’ Soul, Bob Nobile and other guest artists. Bell-bottoms and tie-dyed T-shirts are encouraged! Longspark.org.

Bridging the Skilled Labor Gap

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This country is facing an alarming shortage of skilled labor and trade workers. Is there a way to solve this universal issue? Many believe the answer lies in education. Lancaster County is fortunate to have a top-rated school – Lancaster County Career & Technology Center – and a highly ranked college – Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology – that are striving to provide solutions and manpower to industries that are most impacted.

The total number of workers hired by U.S. businesses increased to 5.9 million for the month of April, according to data collected by the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), and released by the Department of Labor in early June of this year. The total number of hires was the most recorded in the JOLTS series’ history dating back to December 2000.

However, the amount of available jobs still surpasses the number of unemployed workers. According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “For two decades, there have been more available workers than available jobs.” Yet, that suddenly changed in 2018.

The issue is also a concern statewide, as evidenced in the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s 28th Economic Survey that was conducted in August 2018. As stated in The Philadelphia Inquirer, “For the first time ever, more job creators – 14% – listed difficulties finding skilled and qualified employees to fill open positions as the biggest problem facing their companies over any other issue.” The skills of plumbers, nurses and everything in between are in high demand, especially those in the skilled trade sector.

So, what’s causing this skilled labor gap? Several factors come to mind: a growing number of students preferring to attend a four-year college; blue-collar baby boomers retiring without a younger generation to take their place; the rise of automation, such as robots, has moved slower than predicted; lower-income workers leaving the workforce on disability claims (including drug addiction), and the list goes on.

Lancaster County Career & Technology Center

There were approximately 1,300 students enrolled for the 2018-2019 school year at the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center (LCCTC), which is comprised of the Willow Street, Brownstown, Mount Joy and Health Sciences campuses. Students in the 12th grade – from all of the 16 high schools in the county – who have an interest in the trades, attend one of those campuses, depending on which program they want to take. There are also adult-education programs offered at LCCTC, through which you can earn a certificate or associate degree, improve your skills or learn a new one.

The Mount Joy campus offers a range of programs, including welding, mechanical engineering, precision machining, culinary arts and more. Dave Smith, principal at the Mount Joy campus, says the school’s welding program has seen a huge increase in interest and enrollment. “Welding seems to be our biggest program right now. Three years ago, we decided to go from 24 students to 40 high school students to help meet the need,” he explains. “We built a brand-new lab, specifically for the adult side, so they can run some trainings during the day when our high school side is being used. In the evening, both labs are being used up until 9 or 10 o’clock by adults. I think we’re already really scratching the needs of what’s out there.”

The Mount Joy campus also received a grant from BB&T Bank (which the school’s foundation and other employers matched) that helps to provide a free 10-week training session for welding and a free 17-week training session for electric mechanical. “The idea for that is for someone who just wants to get their feet wet. They need to be underemployed or unemployed, and we bring them into the program, and then they are able to go out and get jobs in the field,” says Amber Kreger, who is LCCTC’s director of higher and continuing education at the Mount Joy campus. “Our hope is that they continue on with us in a full-time program so that they can build upon those skills; it’s a good start to help fill that gap.”

Other ways of combating the shortage involve adding new programs (including a new apprenticeship program through Project Spark), meeting with employers in the trade industries to understand what needs they have, hosting tours and open houses, and changing the mindset of parents and educators. “Years ago, there was a push that every kid had to go to college for a four-year degree,” says Dave, who is of the opinion that “That mindset is with the parents; they feel that’s the way their child is going to do better than what they [the parents] are doing, without understanding that somebody in welding can start off at $14 or $15 an hour, easily, with benefits, and make a very good living being a welder, machinist or carpenter.”

Amber adds, “I think, too, that the perception of a student who comes to the CTC should be changed. To be a machinist, you need to have strong math skills, so you need to be looking at the students who are excelling in math and those areas. I think it’s also changing that perception of who would come into these sorts of programs and what that can do for their future.”

A concern of some students is that they will miss out on special events, club activities, sports, etc., at their home school if they are enrolled at LCCTC. “I think sometimes there is some apprehension of leaving their school district, but they can still participate,” Amber points out.

Two more areas of potential growth at the LCCTC include the expansion of the center’s health programs and the housing project in the residential carpentry program. “We have an aging population, so while manufacturing and construction may go up and down, healthcare is one of those solid fields where there’s a need,” Dave observes. “We’re looking to expand our high school side and some of the initial introduction courses and, hopefully, guide some of our students into our LPN programs or into other institutions that have a need.”

The residential carpentry program provides students with hands-on experience by enabling them to build actual homes. “It takes us about two years to build a house, and then we’ll sell that house and the land it’s built upon,” Dave explains. “Our residential carpentry students do the framing, the siding, the roof and all those areas, and then the electrical students from Brownstown come down and do the wiring.” Students in other programs – HVAC, plumbing, painting, etc. – provide their expertise, as well. “It’s really a cross-campus project,” Dave emphasizes. “Our plan is for the students to see the beginning of a house and the finishing of a house. By having two houses going at the same time, they can see the start and the finish.

It’s about the curriculum; that’s why if it takes us about two years to build a house, it’s OK because there’s a learning process that goes along with it.”

For more information about LCCTC, visit lancasterctc.edu.

 

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

You’re probably aware that the college is named in honor of the man who was one of Lancaster’s best-known philanthropists and one of the country’s most outspoken supporters of the underprivileged. Those two elements laid the groundwork for the college that bears Thaddeus Stevens’ name.

Life for the Vermont-based Stevens family was challenging. Two of the four boys (including Thaddeus) were born with clubfeet, which led to a life of what we in the 21st century call bullying. The patriarch of the family was an alcoholic who eventually deserted his family and was killed in the War of 1812.

Mrs. Stevens saw education as the solution to the family’s plight and somehow raised the money to send Thaddeus and his older brother, Joshua, to a nearby school. Thaddeus excelled in school and was accepted at Dartmouth College. After graduating, he taught school in York County, all the while studying law at night. After passing the bar exam, he established a law practice in Gettysburg, eventually moving to Lancaster.

In 1833, he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. During his tenure in the House, he played a critical role in the passage of a bill (and prevented its repeal) that would make Pennsylvania one of the first states to provide children with a free public school education.

Despite the passage of the bill, he took it a step further and bequeathed $50,000 in his will so that a school could be established “for the relief and refuge of homeless, indigent orphans” who would be “educated in the various branches of English education and all industrial trades …”. That bequeath provided the foundation for what is now the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. The state’s first technical college was established in Lancaster in 1905 with 15 students on its roster. The state named it in honor of Stevens.

Today, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, which boasts 1,200 students – men and women – offers 23 associate degree programs, including such areas of study as carpentry, plumbing, cabinetmaking and wood technology. The college’s mastery of the building trades is reflected in the row homes students began building in Lancaster City during the 1950s. In the fall of 2016, the school branched out and began building homes in the Millersville area.

“It was a great experiment. At that point, we wanted to draw some attention to make people aware of what we do, because not a lot of people understand what we do,” explains sophomore carpentry instructor Dan McCord. “So, we wanted to do something to get that attention, and we entered the Parade of Homes.” The custom home won Best of Show honors in 2017. “We weren’t really expecting to, but that just kind of opened up the flood gates, and we hope that continues,” he remarks.

Continue it did – this year’s house, located on Edington Place near Millersville, took first-place honors for exterior, interior design, kitchen, bath and décor in the Townhouse/Duplex Division I category, thereby claiming Best of Show honors for that division.

Another interesting fact is the rate at which students are getting hired as soon as they graduate from Thaddeus Stevens. Dan shares that one of his former students had seven job offers before he even graduated. “Our hours for the morning classes are technically 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. I had students all semester, but I had probably three guys who came at 6:30 a.m.; one kid would come at 6 a.m. They’re dedicated,” Dan says. “… I think we were in the 90s for carpentry as a whole, like 96% [for job placement rate]. I might’ve had one student who didn’t get a job offer this year, and that’s simply because his attendance was horrible, his attitude was not good, and I can’t give a good reference if it’s not deserved. But, if you apply yourself, you’re going to get a job.”

The industry is definitely “booming.” He says it’s funny how things have changed since he graduated from college less than two decades ago. “It’s always been there, that gap, but especially right now with everything booming the way it is. Now, we have companies coming out to the housing project. One company brought donuts one day. Another company brought drinks. I’m thinking to myself, ‘When I graduated college, you had to take the donuts to them,’ and now they’re bringing them to you. So, it’s pretty crazy how that has changed.”

Dan agrees that all areas of the skilled trades are in need of workers. “We have people coming to us saying, ‘We need carpenters, we need roofers, we need carpet installers,’ all screaming the same thing. I feel badly, but I only have so many students.”

Similar to the perception Dave and Amber spoke about at LCCTC, Dan also saw the push for a four-year college degree. Millennials, as well as some Gen-Xers, are seeing debt pile up because of student loans. However, Dan says, “When they graduate here, they don’t have all that debt because we’re not that expensive. So, it’s a win-win situation.”

Though the college is growing, it still has a number of potential students wanting to enroll but can’t because of limited space. “We promote to try to grow our programs, and I know our president, Dr. William Griscom, is always trying to grow the school for that reason because there’s such a demand in the trades,” Dan says. “He and Alex Munro, who runs the alumni association, are always in Harrisburg beating the drum and trying to get us more money so we can put more things in to get more students. I think the figure I heard was something like 2,000 students can’t get in who want to get into Stevens. We are aware of it, and we’re trying to grow, but we need help in doing that.”

One way Thaddeus Stevens and the LCCTC help create connections for their students is through the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County. Dan says the connection to the trade association grows stronger with each passing year. “I know Pauline Wilton wants to start getting some of the students out to some of their events, so companies can meet them more that way. We’re also going to be working with them to try to find more land to build on in the future and also in staying up to date on the codes,” Dan shares. “Having them is absolutely essential. We use them more than most builders, I would say, and we’re going to use them more in the future.”

Dave Smith also states that the BIA is very supportive of the LCCTC. “A lot of it is connections and networking. They always invite us to the BIA Spring Show.” The BIA also invites LCCTC personnel to industry luncheons and events. Students are also given the opportunity to meet BIA members. “If we need contacts or if we think that they can help us out, they’ll guide us to who we need to contact,” Dave notes.

Both institutions are also very proud of their NOCTI scores. NOCTI stands for National Occupational Competency Testing Institute, which is similar to an end-of-the-year test for those in the skilled trades. Dave explains that you either score basic, proficient or advanced. “As a system, we hit 95% – we got either proficient or advanced. This was a little bit higher than in the past. The last three years, we’ve been around 91% or 92%, so we had a little increase here. This was a good year. For instance, at Mount Joy we hit 97% for this year, which was the highest we’ve had in about a decade.”

For more information about Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, visit stevenscollege.edu.

 

There’s Work to be Done!

By Sue Long

No matter where she goes, Karen Watkins, who has served as the executive officer of the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County since 2013 and is a former member of the Executive Council of the Pennsylvania Builders Association, says the topic of conversation is the same: the dearth of skilled labor that is affecting the industry. “It’s just not here,” she says. “It’s everywhere. It’s a nationwide concern.”

Between younger generations not seeking careers in the trades and baby boomers reaching retirement, the concern is growing expeditiously.

As a result, companies are responding to the skilled labor gap in unprecedented ways. Some are offering signing bonuses. Others are providing on-the-job training. Still others are enticing potential employees with perks and attractive benefits packages.

Advocating for the Trades

Eleven years ago, Mike Rowe launched the Mike Rowe Works Foundation with the goal to re-educate Americans that careers exist beyond those that require four-year college degrees. If you’re not familiar with Rowe, he is the host of Discovery’s Dirty Jobs. During the show’s 10-year run, Rowe traveled to all 50 states and tackled more than 300 jobs.

Mike Rowe, Daily News

On his website, Rowe shares that through Dirty Jobs, he was afforded the opportunity to work with plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, farmers, brick layers, fisherman and a host of other tradespeople. He came away impressed by their talents and dedication to their trades.

Slackers they weren’t.

Dirty Jobs had a profound impact on Rowe. He became aware of the disconnect that exists in America where work is concerned – trades have become an endangered species. In his estimation, the “corner office is glorified, but the process of building it is belittled.” He is appalled that vocational schools, community colleges and apprenticeship programs are viewed as “alternative” levels of higher education. On the high school level, he is dismayed that, like the arts and physical education, vocational programs are being underfunded or eliminated altogether. In his opinion, America must redefine the definition of a good education and with it, a good career. He has spent the last decade testifying before Congress, speaking to chambers of commerce and appearing on any news show that will have him.

How bad is it? Student debt now stands at $1.6 trillion, making it the second-highest debt category in the U.S. According to a study conducted by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave, 36% of college graduates question whether the debt they incurred was worth the degree they earned.
On the flip side, in mid-June the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were more than 7 million skilled labor/trade jobs available across the U.S. that don’t require a four-year degree. Peruse Rowe’s website and those jobs – ranging from plumbers to heavy-equipment operators – are available all over the country.

Rowe is not just talking the talk. He is taking action. The Mike Rowe Works Foundation not only serves as a PR machine for the cause, but it also provides scholarships to individuals who have the desire to learn skilled trades through accredited schools or programs. Thus far, the foundation has awarded more than $5 million to over 1,000 recipients representing 15-plus trades.

For more information, visit mikeroweworks.org.

Hands-on House Children’s Museum

Several years ago, during the installation of a new exhibit, space was going unused at this museum whose target audience is 2 to 10 year olds. So, museum officials erected a temporary “Construction Site” that allowed visitors to become engaged in the building industry. “It was a huge hit with visitors – boys and girls alike,” says Becca Stamp, the museum’s development and community relations coordinator. “People were sad to see it go.”

The success of the temporary exhibit inspired an idea that was further spurred on by the widening skilled labor gap. With the support of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Keystone Chapter, and the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County (BIA), a vision for a new exhibit – HOH Construction Co! – took hold. The new exhibit, which will take the shape of a two-level job site, will focus on skilled trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electric and masonry. “It’s going to provide children – especially those at the upper age range of visitors – with an introduction to such career opportunities,” Becca explains, noting that the museum receives 50,000+ visitors on an annual basis, plus provides outreach programs to local schools.

The museum’s leadership team and board are hopeful that the Hands-on House exhibit will encourage children and parents to view skilled trades as viable careers. “We’ll help to plant that idea early on,” says Becca.

As with all museum exhibits, HOH Construction Co! will provide parents and children with hands-on activities that promote problem solving, creativity, innovative thinking and exploration.

The exhibit is slated to open in early 2020. Construction of the exhibit is being handled by ABC, whose apprentice students are doing the “hands-on” work for it off-site. ABC is on-board as the title sponsor, while the BIA is the Carpentry Trade sponsor.

For information about the museum and updates on the project, visit handsonhouse.org.

Haller U

Haller Enterprises, which is based in Lititz, launched Haller University last September. Because Haller provides plumbing, electrical and HVAC services to its residential and commercial customers, company officials saw the labor gap widening and took a hands-on approach to solving it before it reached the crisis stage.

Haller’s educational approach includes Field Ready Programs, which are intensive courses – Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., for 6-8 weeks – that are geared to new hires who have little to no experience in plumbing, HVAC and electric. Those who are accepted into the programs earn paychecks as they undergo training.

Like trade schools and colleges, Haller U is equipped with training labs, and students are afforded the opportunity to learn from guest lecturers. Team-building training is also part of the curriculum. When students complete their courses of study, they receive certificates of accomplishment. However, the learning doesn’t stop there. Seasoned employees can receive advanced training in their respective fields, as well as product education and personal development coaching through Haller U.

Like many businesses searching for younger generations of employees, Haller is marketing its training center via the internet and social media, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. And, it seems that Haller and others in the industry have an advocate in yet another high-profile television star – Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank. He is of the opinion that college isn’t for everyone and recommends that those contemplating their next move should consider trade and technical schools. “Plumbers make a nice living, plus everyone needs one – even in a recession,” he says. Perhaps that’s why U.S. News & World Report ranks plumbing as one of 2019’s 100 Best Jobs.

For more information about Haller U, visit halleru.com.

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